I don't like dirt under finger nails, letting kids crawl around at the ball park, or stained clothes.
When EK found this puddle in the yard made from some spraying the boys had just done, I didn't pull her out.
And I didn't say any scolding words to her brother who quickly followed her lead.
Maybe I was just worn out from the grief work I'd been doing.
Maybe I was just more relaxed than I'd been in the past.
Maybe I've changed a little - like the kids have just worn down my anti-mud standards!
I just sighed and observed and commented, "Wow, it looks like you two are having a good time in that good, soft, mud." (Which is a reference to one of DHH's all time favorite books, Small Pig)
I let them have an hour to just play and squeal, and later they played together with the push toys.
We had a great time watching their mud play, and I cannot imagine refusing an occasional mud time.
And, if you were wondering, the mud stains came out of the cloth diaper! Which is good, because Rumperooz are pricey and fantastic!
So proud of you Bethany! It's good to let 'em get a little dirty. I did notice you mentioned not letting them crawl around at the ball park. This is something I am having a huge problem with this summer. What do you suggest as alternatives? Hannah plays softball and basketball and Jack is playing TBall so we are at the ball fields at least 3 nights a week. Ella isn't walking yet so if I release her from the stroller, which I resort to only when I have to, she has to crawl around.
ReplyDeleteI dislike ball fields for all the gross stuff babies put in heir mouths or could injure themselves with. When DHH was under a year, I sometimes brought pack n play, especially for double header. I also brought one of those push walker cara to discourage crawling, as well as a picnic blanket. If it were me, I would wear Ella in ergo baby carrier- do you have friend with one to try? Right now,my daughter never crawls and just wants to dart around the concrete and hang on fences and carry softballs around. She has not found any broken glass or dirty things to sample yet!
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